Drake Owens has been named interim assistant vice president of external affairs for university advancement at Northwestern State University. The appointment is subject to approval by the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System. Owens will serve while a search is conducted to fill the position on a permanent basis.

Owens will oversee the Office of University Advancement including the areas of Institutional Development and Alumni Affairs and will serve as Executive Director of the NSU Foundation and NSU Alumni Association.

“It is a privilege for me to return to Northwestern State and be part of this exciting new era,” Owens said. “I look forward to new programming that will engage alumni and supporters of all ages and hope to develop relationships that will benefit students through scholarships and networking opportunities.”

Owens worked as a staff member at Northwestern State from 2005 to 2012. He was selected as assistant director of alumni affairs and development in 2006 and was named Director of University Advancement and Executive Director of the NSU Foundation in 2008.

Under his leadership the NSU Foundation organized and completed it’s second capital fundraising campaign exceeding the goal of $25 million and raising $36 million in scholarship and institutional enhancement funds. During his tenure Owens was instrumental in developing an online networking platform for alumni and supporters, planning the institution’s 125^th anniversary celebration, creating the division of university marketing and branding, establishing a number of support organizations including the NSU Demon Regiment and Student Alumni Association, and planning the construction of the Alumni Plaza Courtyard and Collins Pavilion.

Owens is 2004 and 2005 graduate of Northwestern State University earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Master of Science in Sports Administration. He earned the degree of Juris Doctor from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law in 2015 and is currently working toward completion of a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership at the University of New Orleans. He also earned a certification in Environmental Law from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law and was certified as a Professional Minerals and Royalty Asset Manager through the NARO Institute.

Owens is a member of professional organizations including the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, Association of Louisiana Alumni Executives, American Bar Association, and National Association of Royalty Owners. He has served as a member of the Natchitoches Area Jaycees and Natchitoches Rotary Club.

Owens is a native of Homer where he grew up with his wife Courtney who works as a pharmacist for Natchitoches Regional Medical Center. The couple has been married for 7 years and recently welcomed their first son Miller.